Agreement to introduce new life-saving surgery procedures

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The National Kidney Foundation of Samoa (NKFS) will benefit from an agreement between the Government of Samoa and the Apollo Group from India.

This was highlighted in the National Kidney Foundation of Samoa (NKFS) Annual Report for the Financial Year July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018.

A memorandum of understanding was signed between Samoa and the Apollo Group, which will enable a team of specialists to provide new surgery procedures, which have never been performed at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole (TTM) National Hospital in Upolu before.

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The agreement will greatly assist the NKFS in developing its capacity to enable kidney transplants – which the report described as “most encouraging” – as there has been an increase in the number of younger patients needing dialysis.

“A total of 43 new patients who have commenced dialysis treatment – compared to 39 in the 2016-2017 financial year and during that year (2017-2018) 20 patients died – while the NKFS as of June 30, 2018 had 119 permanent patients, seven in Tuasivi and 112 at the Motootua unit."

“Through this arrangement, we have been able to work with vascular surgeon, Dr. D. Vijaya Rajakamari who is willing to assist the National Kidney Samoa,” stated the report.

The report also stated that the 2017/2018 Financial Year also saw a continued increase in the demand for dialysis – both local residents and overseas Samoans.

The Apollo Group was established in 1983, and has risen to become the largest hospital group in Asia, with 71 hospitals in India alone boasting a 10,000 bed count. The Group is not only present in hospital facilities, but also run multiple pharmacies, primary care and diagnostic clinics, medical colleges and a research foundation.